Hazard alert for electrical sub-boards

A hazard alert has been released by SafeWork SA following an incident involving a worker who received an electric shock and suffered burnt fingers when he came in contact with exposed live busbars in a sub-board.

SafeWork SA said the sub-board did not have enough pole fillers to cover all live points in the board.

The power was also reportedly not isolated and the door to the live sub-board was left open.

The worker allegedly lost concentration while answering a mobile phone call and inadvertently leant against the live sub-board, sustaining the electric shock injury.

SafeWork SA said electrical sub-board installation is common during construction, but electrical work needs to be performed by qualified and registered people.

Appropriate guarding must also be in place to prevent other people from making contact with, or accessing, live parts in sub-boards.

Workers are being encouraged to ensure that all live parts in sub-boards are fully protected by pole fillers and to ensure the door of the live sub-board is shut prior to turning on power, unless testing is being performed.

A person must also move a safe distance away from potential hazards when performing unrelated tasks (like answering a mobile phone call), thereby minimising the risk of inadvertent exposure.

For more information, go to www.safework.sa.gov.au.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Nikita Rogul